New Delhi: The Supreme Court today expressed concern over acid attacks cases by jilted lovers and others, saying the situation is "pathetic" and questioned the Centre for its "laxity" in dealing with the menace. "It is pathetic. Such incidents still continue to take place," a bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha said.

"Why is there laxity on your part?" the bench also comprising justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman asked the Centre and issued notices to it and state governments on a plea for framing rehabilitation policy for acid attack victims.

Representational pic

The court passed the order on a PIL filed by a Bihar-based NGO Parivartan Kendra seeking courts direction to government to frame policy for rehabilitation of the victims and to bring them in national mainstream. Earlier, the apex court had set a deadline of March 31 this year for state governments to frame rules for regulating sale of acid and other corrosive substances to prevent their misuse.

In a bid to curb acid attacks on women, it had directed that this crime be made a non-bailable offence and had enhanced to Rs three lakh the compensation amount for the victims. The court had said that a photo identity card containing residential address issued by authorities concerned would be required for purchasing such substances which in any case cannot be sold to a person who is below 18 years.

It had also said that out of the compensation amount of Rs three lakh, Rs one lakh will be paid within 15 days of bringing to the notice of the state government the occurrence of the attack.